“Felonious Gru and his brood return to the big screen July 3 in Illumination and Universal Pictures’ Despicable Me 4,” marks a significant comeback after a seven-year hiatus since the last installment and two years after the spinoff prequel Minions: The Rise of Gru, Deadline reports. Co-directors Chris Renaud and Patrick Delage recently debuted the film at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in France, evoking nostalgic memories of the series’ beginnings.

Creative Choices and Character Development

Chris Renaud, known for his pivotal role in shaping the Despicable Me franchise, shared insights into the creative decisions behind Despicable Me 4. Despite not directing Despicable Me 3, Renaud has remained closely involved as an executive producer and contributor to the franchise’s creative direction. He expressed his emotional connection to the characters and the evolution of the storyline over the years.

“We’ve taken a The Simpsons approach that nobody ages. They’re frozen in time,” Renaud explained, addressing the decision to keep Gru’s daughters—Margo, Edith, and Agnes—perpetually young without plans to explore their adolescence or college years in future storylines. Renaud emphasized that this choice aligns with the series’ enduring appeal and audience expectations, focusing instead on maintaining the core elements that resonate with fans.

New Characters and Narrative Dynamics

Despicable Me 4 introduces new characters like Maxime Le Mal, voiced by Will Ferrell, and Poppy, portrayed by Joey King. Renaud highlighted the collaborative effort with writer Mike White and longtime collaborator Ken Daurio to infuse fresh humor and storyline dynamics into the film. He discussed the evolution of the script, incorporating elements like witness protection and a rivalry from Gru’s high school days to enrich the narrative depth while retaining the franchise’s signature comedic style.

“We had to give it that Looney Tunes, cartoons kind of sensibility,” Renaud noted, emphasizing the balance between grounded character interactions and animated slapstick humor, particularly with the beloved Minions.

In conclusion, Despicable Me 4 promises to captivate audiences with its familiar charm and new adventures, showcasing the timeless appeal of Gru and his lovable cohorts while adhering to the creative vision that has defined the franchise’s success. As Renaud and his team prepare for the film’s global release, fans can anticipate another entertaining chapter in the animated saga that continues to charm audiences of all ages.